By Abba Onyekachukwu, Abuja
Businessman and philanthropist, Sir Ambrose Egwuonwu, KSM, says his bid to represent Orumba North and South Federal Constituency in the 2027 elections is anchored on delivering quality legislation and responsive representation.
Speaking to journalists while in Abuja, Egwuonwu outlined his record of community support, his legislative priorities, and why he believes the constituency needs a change in representation.
The politician-businessman said his motivation for running is rooted in service to the people. He noted that even without holding public office, he has used his personal resources to help secure federal and state jobs for youths in Orumba North and South, facilitating employment for about eight constituents.
He explained that his background as a businessman has reinforced his desire to serve.
With 103 staff across his electronics outlets, he said seeing employees receive their salaries and express gratitude gives him joy and pushes him to seek a platform where he can do more for the wider community.
Citing his interventions during COVID-19, Egwuonwu said he distributed 2,000 bags of rice to constituents to cushion the impact of the lockdown.
He added that for 14 years, he has shared 1,000 bags of rice annually every December 24th in his community, and last year extended the gesture to 2,500 bags in Cross River State for residents of diverse backgrounds.
He dismissed the need for making elaborate campaign promises, saying he prefers to focus on service.
According to him, his ambition is not driven by desperation but by a genuine desire to build on the support he has already provided to his people through scholarships and welfare programs.
Egwuonwu said he has asked those who endorsed him to pray that he does not deviate from his commitments if elected. He argued that having already spent years building houses for the poor and supporting the needy without holding office, there is no reason he would fail as a lawmaker.
On the current representation of Orumba North and South, he said constituents have assessed the incumbent and found her lacking, particularly in responsiveness.
He cited complaints that she does not pick calls from constituents with urgent needs, even when present in the constituency.
He invoked a 2006 zoning agreement between Orumba North and South, signed under the late Ekwume House when Rt. Hon. Ben Nwankwo was in the House of Representatives.
The agreement, according to him stipulated a rotational arrangement, with the seat now due to return to Orumba North.
Based on that agreement, Egwuonwu argued that the incumbent, who is from Orumba South, should withdraw from the race.
He said the people of Orumba North supported her in 2023 based on the zoning principle, and it is now a matter of integrity for her to step aside.
On his legislative agenda, he pledged to ensure Orumba North and South’s voice is loud in the National Assembly through quality motions and bills.
He identified erosion as a key issue requiring federal intervention and said he would work to bring federal presence to the constituency.
He also said he would collaborate with the state government, noting that the current governor from Old Aguata has introduced policies benefiting the constituency.
His role, he said, would be to complement those efforts by attracting federal support.
Highlighting his experience, Egwuonwu said he served as Senior Special Assistant on Community Liaison to former Governor Obiano and has built a successful business empire, AC Peterson, which operates in four states without bank debt.
He is also the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Cross River State chapter, a role in which he said he achieved in six months what had not been done in 20 years for Nd’Igbo in the state.
